CAT 2026 Exam Day: Complete Instructions, Rules and Tips from Mockat

The CAT 2026 exam day is the moment where months of preparation, mock tests and revision come together. For most MBA aspirants, this is the day that determines their chances of getting into the IIMs and other top B-schools.

However, performing well on CAT exam day is not just about solving questions. It is also about:

managing time pressure
controlling exam anxiety
following exam rules
reaching the exam centre on time
maintaining focus inside the exam hall

Understanding the CAT exam day instructions, reporting process, exam hall rules and time management strategy will help you stay calm and perform at your best.

This guide explains everything about CAT 2026 exam day, including exam timing, documents required, dress code, security checks and tips to maximise your performance. Mockat

What is CAT and Why CAT 2026 Exam Day Matters

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted for admission to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several leading business schools in India. The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

The exam evaluates candidates across three sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Ability (QA)

Since lakhs of candidates appear every year, the CAT exam is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) in multiple slots across the country.

Your performance on CAT 2026 exam day directly influences:

interview shortlists
sectional cut-offs
final MBA admissions

That is why being mentally prepared for exam-day pressure and logistics is just as important as knowing the syllabus.

Pre-Exam Preparation for CAT 2026 Exam Day

A smooth CAT exam day starts several days before the exam.

During the final week before the exam:

revise key concepts
practice a few timed mock tests
prepare your documents
align your sleep schedule with exam timing

Spend at least 2–3 hours analyzing each mock test. Identify:

time wasted on difficult questions
easy questions that were missed
mistakes caused by rushing

This type of mock analysis improves decision-making under pressure.

Also make it a habit to practice reading editorials and articles from diverse fields daily. This improves reading speed, comprehension ability and vocabulary—especially useful for the VARC section. Staying calm helps you think clearly during the CAT exam. Develop a strategy to tackle the exam, such as skimming through questions and leaving difficult ones for later.

In the final days before the exam, do not start learning new concepts from scratch. Instead, focus on revising existing knowledge and strengthening your exam strategy. Key tips for CAT preparation include taking and analyzing mock tests daily, focusing on high-weightage topics, mastering time management, and maintaining a calm routine.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Although the official notification confirms the final pattern, recent years give a good idea of the structure.

The CAT exam usually contains:

68 total questions
3 sections
120 minutes total duration
40 minutes per section

CAT Marking Scheme

+3 marks for correct answer
−1 mark for incorrect MCQ
No negative marking for TITA questions

Understanding the marking scheme helps you decide when to attempt a question and when to skip it.

CAT 2026 Exam Date, Reporting Time and Slot Timing

CAT is typically conducted in three slots on a single day.

Candidates must follow the reporting time printed on the CAT admit card, not just the exam start time.

Candidates are usually required to report to the exam centre 90–120 minutes before the scheduled exam time. Mandatory frisking with metal detectors and biometric capturing will occur before entering the exam.

Example CAT Exam Day Timeline

Slot	Reporting Time	Gate Closing Time	Exam Time
Slot 1	7:00 AM	8:15 AM	8:30–10:30 AM
Slot 2	11:00 AM	12:15 PM	12:30–2:30 PM
Slot 3	3:00 PM	4:15 PM	4:30–6:30 PM

Always plan your travel according to reporting time, not exam time.

Documents Required on CAT 2026 Exam Day

Your CAT admit card and ID proof are mandatory for entry into the exam centre.

Documents Checklist

Printed CAT admit card
Valid photo ID proof
Original ID document
Passport size photo (optional backup)

Accepted ID proofs usually include:

Aadhaar card
Passport
Voter ID
Driving licence
PAN card

Candidates must ensure that the photograph and signature on the admit card are clear. Candidates must avoid carrying extra items to prevent last-minute hassles or disqualification.

Dress Code for CAT Exam Day

CAT authorities follow a simple dress code to prevent unfair means.

Recommended Dress Code

simple and comfortable clothes
plain T-shirt or shirt
trousers or jeans
simple footwear

Avoid Wearing

shoes with thick soles
clothing with metal parts
belts with large buckles
jewellery or metal accessories

Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, headphones and calculators are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. Candidates must avoid wearing heavy footwear, large buttons, or metal accessories on exam day.

Avoiding heavy clothing and accessories can help you pass through security checks smoothly. Prepare a kit with your ID, admit card, and stationeries the night before the CAT exam.

Reaching the CAT Exam Centre

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is reaching the exam centre late.

To avoid this:

locate your exam centre on Google Maps in advance
visit the centre a day before if possible
plan travel buffer for traffic delays
aim to reach 2 hours before reporting time

Arriving early reduces stress and helps you enter the exam hall calmly. Entry will be denied if candidates arrive late after the gate-closing time mentioned on the admit card.

Security Checks and Biometric Verification

Once you reach the exam centre, you will go through several steps before entering the exam hall.

Typical entry process includes:

admit card verification
ID proof verification
biometric fingerprint scan
photograph capture
security frisking
seating allocation

These steps ensure that the same candidate who registered for the exam appears for the test.

Inside the CAT Exam Hall

After verification, candidates are escorted to their assigned computer system.

The invigilator will provide:

a writing pad for rough work
a pen or pencil
instructions for starting the test

All rough calculations must be done on the provided writing pad.

Do not attempt to communicate with other candidates or look at other screens. The exam hall is under continuous CCTV surveillance. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the CAT exam.

Bio Breaks and Rough Work Rules

Bio breaks are usually allowed only in genuine cases and with invigilator permission.

Important rules:

raise your hand and wait for permission
you will be escorted out and back
the exam timer will not stop

If you need additional rough sheets, request them from the invigilator.

All writing pads must be returned before leaving the exam hall.

Section-wise Strategy for CAT 2026 Exam Day

VARC Strategy

Focus on accuracy rather than speed.

attempt easier RC passages first
avoid spending too long on one passage
trust your comprehension ability

DILR Strategy

DILR success depends on set selection.

scan all sets quickly
attempt the most familiar ones first
skip overly complex puzzles

QA Strategy

Quantitative Ability often appears last in the exam.

Maintain a steady pace and avoid getting stuck on one difficult problem.

Skipping one difficult question can save time for three easier ones. CAT test series

Managing Time Pressure During CAT Exam

The on-screen timer may create anxiety, especially in the final minutes.

To manage time pressure:

stay calm
follow the strategy practiced in mock tests
focus only on the current question

Deep breathing techniques can help reduce exam stress.

Many CAT aspirants experience exam anxiety and self-doubt, but remember that every candidate feels the same pressure.

Final Week Strategy Before CAT 2026 Exam

The final week before the exam should focus on revision and mental preparation.

Key actions:

take 1–2 full-length mock tests
revise formulas and shortcuts
review previous mistakes
sleep well and maintain a healthy routine

Start waking up early to match your exam reporting time and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep daily.

Avoid excessive studying the night before the exam.

Practice with Mockat CAT Test Series

Mock tests help simulate the real CAT exam environment.

You can practice with:

CAT Full-Length Mock Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/full-length

CAT Sectional Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/sectional-tests

CAT Topic Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/topic-tests

These tests replicate actual CAT exam interface, slot timing and question patterns, helping you improve speed and accuracy.

What Not to Carry to the Exam Centre

The following items are not allowed inside the exam hall:

mobile phones
smartwatches
calculators
headphones
books or notes
wallets or bags

Carrying prohibited items may delay your entry or lead to disqualification.

After the Exam: What Happens Next

After CAT 2026 exam day:

memory-based questions appear online
coaching institutes release exam analysis
provisional answer key is released
candidates estimate their scores
final percentile is announced

Later, B-schools release sectional and overall cut-offs.

Summary: Key CAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions

To perform your best on CAT exam day:

reach the exam centre early
carry admit card and valid photo ID
follow dress code guidelines
remain calm during the exam
stick to your section strategy

Your goal on CAT exam day is not perfection but maximising your score.

Stay calm, trust your preparation and execute your strategy.

FAQs on CAT 2026 Exam Day

What documents are required on CAT exam day?

Candidates must carry a printed CAT admit card and a valid photo ID proof.

How early should I reach the exam centre?

Candidates should reach 90–120 minutes before the exam start time.

Are mobile phones allowed inside the CAT exam hall?

No. Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited.

Can I take a bio break during the CAT exam?

Bio breaks are allowed only in genuine cases and with invigilator permission.

What is the best strategy for CAT exam day?

Follow the strategy practiced during mock tests, stay calm under time pressure and focus on accuracy.